There was tension yesterday at Alaba –Rago, on the Mile –Two Badagry expressway, Lagos, after commercial motorcyclists popularly referred to as okada, took over the ever-busy road to protest the eviction letter served to occupiers of the market to quit in two weeks.
Africa Today News, New York gathered that the okada riders set fire on the expressway and dared policemen to invade their territory.
Earlier, a false report on the enforcement of the ban of motorbikes spread across the state, with motorcyclists in some parts, spoiling for a showdown with the Police.
Africa Today News, New York was reliably informed that for several months there had been ongoing negotiation between the Lagos State Government and representatives of occupiers of the Alaba Rago market, over the modernization of the market.
However, a report on activities of criminals using hibernating in the market reportedly prompted the state government’s move to give occupiers of the market a deadline to vacate the place.
Read Also: Hausa Community Calls For Reversal Of Okada Ban In Lagos
Eyewitnesses said immediately the teams of policemen comprising those from the Rapid Response Squad and Task Force handed the letter to a representative of the market, commercial motorcycles blocked the highway, preventing the free flow of traffic.
They were alleged to have also brandished dangerous weapons, in preparation to match the police fire-for-fire.
Vanguard learned that policemen from the Area ‘E ‘ Command and divisions under the command, visited the scene to control the situation. On sighting the policemen, the commercial motorcyclists in their number hauled stones and other dangerous objects at the policemen.
The RRS and Task Force teams who earlier came to serve the eviction letter returned to join their colleagues. The Police overpowered the rampaging commercial motorcyclists. Most of them abandoned their motorcycles and fled to avoid possible arrest when it became obvious that they had been subdued.
Several motorbikes, some of which were used to barricade the expressway were seized by the policemen.